This course is designed to provide the student with college-level topics in the biological sciences. The lecture portion of the course covers major topics in biology ranging from the molecular to the biosphere levels of organization. The class content is designed around the four main ideas of an AP curriculum. The course does not include a lab schedule. Limited labs are conducted as the class schedule allows. Lab simulations are scheduled in preparation for students interested in challenging the AP exam. The A.P. examination may be taken following this course.

This course is designed for the interested and capable student and affords an opportunity to do college-level work in chemistry. There is no lab component, though lab situations are addressed. The course prepares the student for a first year college Chemistry course as well as ample preparation toward the AP Chemistry exam. The AP exam is not mandatory. Essentially problem-solving in nature, the course expands and enhances the students’ Regents Chemistry experience.

AP Physics is a calculus based course intended for potential science and engineering majors. The course of study will focus on mechanics which include: Newton's Laws, linear and rotational motion, work energy, systems of particles, and harmonic motion. Complex, multi-step problem solving is essential to each area of the course. Nightly homework assignments will require about one hour to complete. University level laboratory experiences and long-term projects are integral parts of the AP Physics program.

Astronomy is designed to provide the student with the fundamental understanding of the laws and principles that govern our universe. Topics will include sky coordinate systems, celestial mechanics including the basic laws of Newton and Kepler, our Solar System, stellar properties, galaxies and cosmology.

Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy is designed as an additional choice in advanced biological science. It is a lab-lecture type course with a major portion of the time spent in laboratory dissection. During the course, animals are observed and dissected with comparisons made in structure. Evolutionary changes in structure and how these relate to function and lifestyle are emphasized. Both written and practical exams are given. The final exam is a local, comprehensive examination. This course is recommended for average to above average students, especially those planning to enter a health-oriented field.

This course will examine the causes and consequences of natural and man-made disasters. This topic is timely and important as major disasters continually occur in our world. Students will analyze the impact disasters have on the planet by looking at historical and current catastrophes. They will explore how these events have shaped the earth, humans and the environment. Students will research the impact disasters have had on society, culture, as well as the economy and explore how science can prepare for the inevitable disaster. This course will incorporate “hands on" experience through laboratory work, research and the analysis of case studies. This course will help students develop skills in evaluating the causes and consequences of disaster events.

Ecology is a study of interactions between living organisms and the environment. One quarter focuses on local forest and aquatic ecosystems. The other quarter deals with global issues of human population and resource consumption, biodiversity loss, global warming, and environmental technology and design. A major independent project is required.

Forensics offers the interested science student a space to explore laboratory investigation. This course combines many disciplines of scientific study and applies them to solving crimes. Topics that will be discussed include: Laboratory safety, history of forensics, trace evidence, forensic biology, blood spatter, ballistics, and forensic chemistry. Laboratory work supplements the lectures. The course will culminate with a final project where students will analyze a simulated crime scene.

General Chemistry introduces fundamental principles of chemistry and is designed for the non-science major. The major topics studied are applications of chemistry, classification of matter, separation of mixtures, atomic theory, the Periodic Table, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions. As time permits, other topics of study may include nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, chemistry of foods, or environmental chemistry. Laboratory experiences related to the topics of study are an integral part of the course and are incorporated into regular class time. A comprehensive local examination is given at the end of the school year.

This course will introduce the student to the fundamental principles of Earth Science. Topics will include basic physical science, geology, mineralogy, astronomy, meteorology, and some current issues facing the Earth. Laboratory experiences are important to all sciences and will be incorporated into the regular class period as time permits. A comprehensive local final examination will be given at the end of the school year.

General Physics is intended for students who would prefer and benefit most from a conceptual approach to the subject rather than a computational approach. Physics is, however, an intellectually demanding subject and students will be successful only if they take an active role in the learning process. Course content includes the following: mechanics, waves, electricity, sound, nuclear physics, and fluids. Projects and labs are integral parts of physics and are incorporated into the regular class time.

Genetics offers the interested science student an additional choice in biological science. The laws of genetics, chemical structure of chromosomes and genes, protein formation, gene regulation and expression, and mutant genes in the human population are the topics developed. Issues related to bioethics are discussed. Laboratory work supplements the lectures. This course is recommended for average to above average students, especially those planning to enter a health-oriented field.

This course will introduce students to the study of the oceans of the world. The Oceanography curriculum combines a study of two major areas:

Geology – the study of the Earth’s interior, surface, and processes that formed the rocks that make up the ocean basins and continents; and Marine

Biology – the study of the plants, animals, and other organisms that live in the oceans. 

The Oceanography curriculum is intended to focus on the interrelationships of the above areas of science with the Earth’s systems and processes. This class is intended to be an introduction into the many areas of Oceanography. Projects and presentations are a major part of this course. Independent learning is encouraged during research projects, and every student is expected to pull from their own personal interests.

This is a concentrated and comprehensive course designed to provide a strong foundation necessary to pursue advanced work in biological science. The essential information required to complete the New York State Living Environment Exam is covered along with numerous extended area topics. Topics include biochemistry, taxonomy, cytology, physiology, anatomy, genetics, evolution and ecology. This course includes a mandatory lab component that must be satisfied in order to take the Living Environment.

This is a comprehensive Regents biology course designed to provide the essential information required to complete the New York State Living Environment Exam. Topics include biochemistry, taxonomy, cytology, physiology, comparative anatomy, genetics, ecology and evolution. Depth and breadth of topics may vary. This course includes a mandatory lab component that must be satisfied in order to take the Living Environment final state exam.

Regents Earth Science is a concentrated course which includes physical and historical geology, mineralogy, petrology, geomorphology and topography. Also included in the program is an overview of space science and meteorology. It has been designed to follow the New York State Regents syllabus and the common core learning standards. This course includes a mandatory lab component that must be successfully completed for admission to the Regents examination.

Regents Chemistry is designed to provide the foundation necessary for advanced work in the natural and physical sciences. Atomic structure, chemical bonding, composition of matter, classes of compounds, behavior of gasses, kinetics of reactions, equilibria, thermodynamics, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry are the major areas presented. Mathematical relationships in problem-solving are fundamental to a number of units. Manipulative skills and understanding of basic procedures are stressed in the laboratory. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course and must be successfully completed for admission to the Regents examination.

Physical Setting/Physics is designed for students of above average ability. The Physical Setting/Physics course presents to the student the major fundamental physical concepts in the following core areas: mechanics, energy, wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism and modern physics. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course and must be successfully completed for admission to The University of the State of New York Regents High School Examination in PHYSICAL SETTING/PHYSICS.